Vaginal cyst: symptoms, types, causes and treatment

The vaginal cyst is a small pocket of air, liquid or pus that develops in the lining of the inside of the vagina, being caused by minor trauma at the site, accumulation of fluid inside a gland or development of a tumor, for example.

One of the most common types of vaginal cyst is the cyst that develops in the Bartholin gland, which is responsible for producing the lubricating fluid in the vagina. This type of cyst can usually be seen right at the entrance to the vagina, like a small ball. Learn more about Bartholin's cyst and how to treat it.

Most cysts in the vagina do not cause any symptoms, but when they grow large, they can cause discomfort during intercourse or when using a tampon. If symptoms exist, the gynecologist may advise a minor surgery to remove the cyst and improve the symptoms.

Main symptoms

In most cases, the vaginal cyst does not cause any symptoms, but some women may show signs such as:

• Presence of a ball at the entrance or wall of the vagina; Pain or discomfort during intimate contact; Difficulty and discomfort to put a tampon.

However, these symptoms can also indicate other problems in the intimate region, so if they appear and last for more than 3 days, it is important to consult the gynecologist to identify the cause and start the appropriate treatment.

See what are the possible causes of pain during intercourse.

How to confirm the diagnosis

The best way to confirm the presence of a cyst in the vagina is to consult a gynecologist, to check for other problems that may cause changes in the lining of the vagina, such as HPV, and to start the most appropriate treatment.

What types of vaginal cyst

There are different types of vaginal cyst, which vary according to the affected part. Thus, the main types include:

• Vaginal inclusion cyst: it is the most common type that usually arises due to trauma to the wall of the vagina that can happen during childbirth or due to surgery, for example; Bartholin cyst: it is a cyst that appears at the entrance of the vagina due to inflammation and accumulation of fluid inside one or more Bartholin glands, which produce the lubricant; Gartner cyst: usually appears on the wall of the vagina and is caused by the accumulation of fluid within a canal that, in most women, disappears after birth. Learn more about Gartner's cyst.

In addition to these types, there may still be others, such as Müller's cyst, which occurs in another channel that must disappear after birth, but which remains until adulthood in some women.

Therefore, it is best to always consult a gynecologist when any type of alteration occurs in the intimate region.

How the treatment is done

Often, the cyst in the vagina does not need any specific treatment, as they are small and do not cause symptoms. However, if they grow or cause any discomfort, surgery to remove the cyst may be advised.

In more rare cases, the cyst may still develop an infection, and in this situation, the gynecologist may recommend an antibiotic to treat the infection before surgery, for example.

Possible complications

There are usually no complications for a vaginal cyst, as they remain small without growing too much. However, if they grow, they can cause pain or discomfort, especially during intimate intercourse or when using a tampon.